Single use film developer and improved wiper means therefor

ABSTRACT

Laterally offset resilient members that are in closely spaced opposition to each other provide a squeegee type wiping action to remove excess fluid from a strip of film moving therebetween.

United States Patent [151 3,680,465 Bowlby 5] Aug. 1, 1972 [54] SINGLE USE FILM DEVELOPER AND [56] References Cited WIPER MEANS UNITED STATES PATENTS 72 Inventor: James F. G nowlby 24 Demarest 2,689,307 9/1954 Fairbank ..95/89 R X Road, Bloomingdale, NJ. 07403 Primary Examiner-Samuel S. Matthews [22] Flled' 1970 Assistant Examiner-Richard L. Moses PP N04 77,781 Attorney-Leonard H. King [52] U.S. Cl. ..9S/89 R, 96/76 R, 250/68 [57] ABSTRACT [5 l] Int. Cl. ..G03d 3/00 [58] Field of Search "95/89 R, 89 L, 90, 13; 250/65 Laterally offset resilient members that are in closely spaced opposition to each other provide a squeegee type wiping action to remove excess fluid from a strip of film moving therebetween.

12 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PhT ENTEmua 1 ma SHEEI 1 BF 3 INVENTOR. JAMES FIG. BOWLBY ATTORNEY PATENTEDAUB' 1 I972 3.680.465 sum 2 UF 3 fi .l J

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INVENTOR. JAMES i. G. fl0WLBY A '1' ax 1w: Y

SINGLE USE FILM DEVELOPER AND IMPROVED WIPER MEANS THEREFOR This invention relates generally to the photographic arts and more particularly to improvements in a low cost film developer that is disposable after a single use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A need exists for a low cost, simple developing apparatus for exposed, light-sensitive film. X-rays have on-the-s'ite' applications such as at accident scenes and during military operations. There are also industrial uses for on-the-site X-raysfor inspection purposes and the like. While it is highly desirable that the X-ray film be developed as promptly as possible, this is frequently not done because dark room facilities are usually remote. There must necessarily be a time delay between film exposure and processing that could prove costly.

An example of apparatus to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art in this field is disclosed in my copending application,- Ser. No. 760,231, filed on Sept. 17, 1968. Therein a system is disclosed which utilizes a supply of film developer contained within a rigid compartment. The exposed film is attached to a pull tab which is then drawn through the developer, carrying with it the exposed film.

Another copending application, Ser. No. 814,243, filed Apr. 8, I969, discloses an improvement over the first filed application in that a length of exposed film is coupled to a pliable package containing a fluid composition for treating the film. The pliable package and the film are drawn through a rigid container that applies a force to the pliable package so that the fluid is discharged therefrom into the rigid container and onto thefilm.

Still other examples of the prior art are U.S. Pat. No. 3,379,879 issued to E. T. Dicker et al. on Apr. 23, 1968 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,430,042 granted on Feb. 25, 1969 to V. Neri. Both of these last mentioned patents relate to devices for developing dental X-ray film and provide that both the film and the processing fluid are in the same package. The disadvantage of the prior art structure is that there isalwaysthe possibility of leakage of the processing fluid. By way of contrast the present invention permits remote usage of the X-ray film which is then coupled to processor for development. The prior art requires that the processing fluid be dispensed onto the film instead of moving the film through and out of the processing fluid in accordance with the concept of this invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides improved means for removing excess developer fluid after the film has been processed. The developer shell which is preferably comprised of upper and lower sections is provided with an enlarged transverse recess at the exit end thereof. Spacedly opposed resilient members are positioned in the recess in offset relationship to each other. When the film is pulled past the resilient members the excess fluid is removed. The resilient members also compress the film emulsionto thereby make it easier to handle. The offset relationship of the resilient members minimizes distortion of the developer package.

Accordingly, it is the primary object of this invention to provide an improved, low cost, single use film developing pack.

An advantage of this invention is that the improved film developing pack described above does not require the use of a conventional darkroom.

A further object of this invention is to provide improved means for removing excess fluid from the film after it has been processed.

A specific object of this invention is to provide spacedly opposed resilient squeegee means at the exit end of the film developing pack.

A feature of this invention is that the squeegee means described above are offset from each other.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will, in part, be pointed out with particularity and will, in part, become obvious from the following more detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing which forms an integral part thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the various figures of the drawing like reference characters designate like parts.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the film holder comprising the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the structure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view similar to FIG. 1 but with the coupling means of this invention shown in the bent or folded condition and with an outer pack shown in phantom;

FIG. 3A is a fragmentary plan view, on an enlarged scale, illustrating a light seal arrangement for the film holder;

FIG. 4 is a sectional side elevational view, on an enlarged scale, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view similar to FIG. 3, with a portion broken away and partially in section, showing the outer pack in solid outline with the coupling means extending therethrough;

FIG. 6 is a plan view, partially broken away and partially in section, illustrating the combined pliable film holder, pliable developer pack and rigid developer container of this invention in their physical relationship preliminary to developing;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view, in section and on an enlarged scale, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the film holder and developer container in the coupled condition, a portion of the developer container having been removed to show an intermediate stage in the usage of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view, similar to FIG. 8, showing the film positioned in the developer container and with the empty developer package uncoupled;

FIG. 10 is another fragmentary side elevational view in section on an enlarged scale illustrating a feature of the developer container;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary plan view of a coupled length of film and a developer package illustrating another feature of this invention, the developer container being removed for clarity;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary plan view with the developer container partially broken away illustrating the relationship of the pliable and rigid portions of the developer package and developer container, respectively; and

FIG. 13 is a plan view similar to FIG. 12 showing the pliable developer package almost completely removed and with the film almost completely positioned within the rigid developer container.

Referring now to the drawing, and in particular to FIGS. l-4, there is shown the film holder portion of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, a length of film 22 is positioned between layers of protective sheets 24a, 24b, such as paper, for example. The paper layers 24a, 24b protect the emulsion on the film 22 from light rays and also keep the film 22 from sticking and from being scratched as it is pulled. A layer of lead 26 may also be provided for protective purposes. The several layers just described are packaged in an opaque, pliable plastic holder 28 which is positioned in an opaque outer pack 30.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 3A and 4, means made of a heat scalable plastic material are provided for making the pliable'film holder 28 light-tight. The upper layer 32 of the container 28 is shorter than the lower layer 34, the end 36 of which is folded over as shown in FIG. 4. The two layers 32 and 34 are heat sealed along side edges 38as well as along end 40. This construction defines a film holder that is open at only one end.

Theend 36 is bent into a U-shape as shown in FIG. 4 and then is folded over the top layer 32 as best shown in FIG. 3. As is common with all envelopes, the corners defined by the junctures of the sides and the end therebetween will have a slight opening. In letter envelopes, for example, this opening is advantageous since it acts as a vent. However, for the present application, any such opening would be deleterious, since it could easily permit entry of light. This problem is overcome by a small angularly placed heat seal 42 as shown in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 3A on an enlarged scale. It should be particularly noted that the heat seal is very small and does not interfere with the opening of the film holder 28. For all practical purposes, the end 36 may be considered as being functionally open but with provisions being made at the corners to close the vent hole.

In order to provide coupling means for the pliable film holder 28 a tab comprised of two layers of pliable plastic film 50 is secured to the end of the film 22 adjacent the open end 36 of the container 28. The tab 50 is first folded so as to be positioned between the upper layer 32 and the inner surface of the folded over end 36 of the film holder 28. The tab 50 is then reverse-folded over the outer surface of the end 36 to define, together therewith, an S-shaped bend. Thus the film tab 50 is intertwined with the end 36 of the pliable film holder 28. As will be described later, the folded over end 36 is opened automatically when the film 22 is pulled to the right. Registered holes 52 are suitably formed in the free end of the tab-50 and a rigid plastic tooth 54 is suitably secured between the layers 50 at the free end thereof so as to extend through the registered openings 52.

The opaque, relatively rigid outer pack 30 is heat sealed about the pliable film holder 28. The outer pack 30 is comprised of upper and lower layers 62 and 64,

respectively, that are heat sealed to each other along at least the side-edges 66 and the end edge 68. The other end edge 70 that is adjacent the tooth 54 is provided with a notch 72 through which the tooth 54 projects. There is thus provided a compact, readily opened film container 20 that is light-tight and which can be stored for a great length of time without adversely affecting the condition of the film therein.

FIGS. 6-10 illustrate how the film holder 28 is coupled to a pliable developer package and also how the invention is used. The developer package 80, which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter in connection with another aspect of this invention, is made of two heat sealed layers 82 of a suitable plastic. A pull tab 84 is provided integrally at one end of the developer package 80 and a coupling tab 86, having an opening 88 therein is provided integrally at the other end of the developer pack 80. As will be explained below, the tooth 54 is adapted to be hooked into the opening 88 when the developer package 80 is pulled to the right. As shown in FIGS. 6-10 the film 22 will be withdrawn from the film holder 28 and, together with the developer package 80, will be drawn through a developer container 90 which will now be described.

The coupling arrangement described above provides reliable mechanical means that overcome problems inherent with an adhesive type of fastening. Where tape or other form of adhesive bond is used for coupling purposes, there is the possibility of a loss of holding power if exposed to air or moisture.

The developer container 90 is formed of two opposed rigid layers 92 and 94 of a suitable plastic which are heat sealed along longitudinal edges 96 and 98. The layers 92'and 94 are spaced from each other to define a developer chamber 100 and an entrance chamber 102. A first transverse rib 104 separates the two chambers 100 and 102 and a second transverse rib 106 defines the opposite end of the developer chamber. One of the two layers 92 and 94 is formed with a recess 107 in the entrance chamber 102 in order to accommodate the coupled portion of the film holder 28 and developer package 80 as shown in FIG. 7. In the assembled condition the recess 107 is aligned with the holes 52 in the tab 50. The recess 107 permits the tooth 54 to snap into place when it is inserted.

When the developer package 80 is pulled to the right, as shown in FIGS. 6-10, the film 22 is drawn out of the film holder 28. In this connection it should be noted that the entrance chamber 102 is provided with longitudinal walls 108 and 110 (FIGS. 6, 8 and 9) that converge in the direction of the pulling force in order to bear against and resist further inward movement of the film holder 28 and the rigid outer container 30. When the film 22 is positioned within the developer chamber 100 the tab 50 is exposed at the right hand end of the developer container 90 and is automatically uncoupled from the developer package 80, as shown in FIG. 10. Because the uncoupling is automatic the film 22 cannot be inadvertently drawn too far to the right. After a predetermined time has elapsed the film 22 is manually withdrawn from the developer chamber 100, using the tab 50 for this purpose.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 7 and 10, the right hand end of the developer container 90 is formed with opposed, enlarged transverse recesses 112a and 11212. Resilient squeegee means 114 and 116 are secured in the recesses 112a and 112b, respectively, in closely spaced opposition to each other so that thefilm can be drawn therebetween. The squeegee means 114 and 116 squeeze dry the film in order to remove excess fluid and in addition compresses the film emulsion which becomes hard and easier to handle.

The squeegee arrangement described above is advantageous since a developing agent (more notably in monobaths) has a tendency to swell or blister the emulsion coating of film. This creates an extremely soft emulsion and often leads to cracking and peeling of the emulsion. As a result caution must be exercised in the handling of the film in the wet condition. The use of the resilient squeegee means 114 and 116 assures that the film emulsion does not become severely swollen or soft so that the film 22 may be safely handled immediately after removal from the developer chamber 100.

In order to prevent any distortion of the developer package 80 as a result of the pressure applied, the squeegee means 114 and 116 are ofiset as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10. An effective wiper seal is provided. The developer container 90 can expand at the pressure area without distorting the developer package 80.

A simple yet effective means for automatically releasing the fluid from the developer package 80 concurrently with the. pulling thereof is disclosed in FIGS. 11-13. The developer package 80 is provided with at least one laterally extending tab 118 that is heat sealed between the longitudinal edges of the two opposed layers 92 and 94. Although two tabs 118 are illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, one tab 118 will be sufficiently effective. As the developer package 80 is pulled to the right, the apertured tab 118 will remain in place thereby tearing the developer package 80 so that the contents thereof may be discharged into the developer chamber 100 just prior to the arrival of the film 22. To aid in the tearing process of the developer package 80, a starting out 120 may be provided although this is not absolutely essential. In any event the developer package 80 is completely sealed initially. The transverse ribs 104 and 106 act as barriers to prevent loss of the fluid. Since the developer fluid is sealed in an air-tight package, it can be mixed and filled under nitrogen conditions and then easily stored and handled without oxidation.

As used herein the term developer fluid is generic to all film treating fluids. Similarly, where heat seals have been indicated other equivalent sealing means may be employed. Although the plastic materials have not been specifically identified, it is evident that the proper selection is well within the skill of a competent designer, consistent with the usage of the invention, particularly as concerns the film treating fluids and types of seals that are used. In this connection it should be noted that the term plastic includes fibrous material such as paper, for example, wherein a coating of plastic is applied to at least one surface thereof. The particular plastic selected for either the coating or the sheet itself should be consistent with the ultimate usage thereof namely heat sealing, opacity, imperviousness to a particular fluid, etc.

There has been disclosed heretofore the best embodiment of the invention presently contemplated. However, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a disposable processor for exposed light sensitive film of the type using a fluid, film treating composition that is dispensable from a pliable developer package, an improved developing section comprising:

a. a pair of spacedly opposed sheets secured to each other along the longitudinal edges thereof to define a developer chamber, the transverse downstream and upstream ends of said sheets being open to permit movement of the film and the developer package therethrough;

b. a transverse, enlarged recess formed at the downstream end of said sheets outwardly if said developer chamber; and

c. a pair of members, at least one of which is resilient, in said recess in closely space opposition to each other whereby when the film and the developer package are drawn therebetween the excess film treating composition is wiped from the surfaces of the film.

2. The developing section in accordance with claim 1 wherein said resilient member(s) is an elastomer.

3. The developing section in accordance with claim 1 wherein there is further included a transverse, reduced thickness portion intermediate said pair of members and said developer chamber for minimizing loss of the film treating composition from said developer chamber.

4. The developing section'accordance with claim 1 wherein there is further included a transverse, reduced thickness portion immediately upstream of said developer chamber for minimizing loss of the film treating composition therefrom.

5. A disposable processor for exposed, light sensitive film, said processor comprising the combination of:

a. a developer chamber defined by a pair spacedly opposed sheets secured to each other along the longitudinal edges thereof, the transverse downstream and upstream ends of said sheets being open to permit movement of the film therethrough;

. a sealed, rupturable developer package positioned within said chamber, said package containing a supply of fluid, film treating composition;

0. means for coupling said developer package to the film whereby said developer package is ruptured when it is moved longitudinally to dispense the fluid therein into said chamber, the film being pulled into said chamber when said developer package is moved;

d. a transverse, enlarged recess formed at the downstream end of said sheets; and

e. a pair of resilient members secured in said recess in closely spaced opposition to each other whereby when the coupled developer package and the film are drawn between said resilient members, the excess film treating composition is wiped from the surface of the film.

6. The processor in accordance with claim 5 wherein said resilient members are rubber.

7. The processor in accordance with claim 5 wherein said resilient members are offset from each other in the direction of film travel.

8. The processor in accordance with claim 5 wherein there is further included a transverse, reduced thickness portion intermediate said resilient members and said developer chamber for minimizing loss of the film treating composition from said developer chamber.

9. The processor in accordance with claim wherein there is further included a transverse, reduced thickness portion immediately upstream of said developer chamber for minimizing loss of the film treating composition therefrom.

10. In a disposable processor for exposed light sensitive film of the type using a fluid, film treating composition that is dispensable from a pliable developer package, an improved developing section comprising:

a. a pair of spacedly opposed sheets secured to each other along the longitudinal edges thereof to define a developer chamber, the transverse downstream and upstream ends of said sheets being open topermit movement of the film and the developer package therethrough;

b. a transverse, enlarged recess formed at the downstream end of said sheets; and c. a pair of members, at least one of which is resilient,

in said recess in closely spaced opposition to each other, said members being offset from each other in the direction of film travel when the film and the developer package are drawn therebetween, the excess film treating composition is wiped from the surfaces of the film.

11. The developing section in accordance with claim 10 wherein there is further included a transverse, reduced thickness portion intermediate said pair of members in said developer chamber for minimizing loss of the film treating composition from said developer chamber.

12. The developing section in accordance with claim 10 wherein there is further included a transverse, reduced thickness portion immediately upstream of said developer chamber for minimizing loss of the film treating composition therefrom. 

1. In a disposable processor for exposed light sensitive film of the type using a fluid, film treating composition that is dispensable from a pliable developer package, an improved developing section comprising: a. a pair of spacedly opposed sheets secured to each other along the longitudinal edges thereof to define a developer chamber, the transverse downstream and upstream ends of said sheets being open to permit movement of the film and the developer package therethrough; b. a transverse, enlarged recess formed at the downstream end of said sheets outwardly if said developer chamber; and c. a pair of members, at least one of which is resilient, in said recess in closely space opposition to each other whereby when the film and the developer package are drawn therebetween the excess film treating composition is wiped from the surfaces of the film.
 2. The developing section in accordance with claim 1 wherein said resilient member(s) is an elastomer.
 3. The developing section in accordance with claim 1 wherein there is further included a transverse, reduced thickness portion intermediate said pair of members and said developer chamber for minimizing loss of the film treating composition from said developer chamber.
 4. The developing section accordance with claim 1 wherein there is further included a transverse, reduced thickness portion immediately upstream of said developer chamber for minimizing loss of the film treating composition therefrom.
 5. A disposable processor for exposed, light sensitive film, said processor comprising the combination of: a. a developer chamber defined by a pair spacedly opposed sheets secured to each other along the longitudinal edges thereof, the transverse downstream and upstream ends of said sheets being open to permit movement of the film therethrough; b. a sealed, rupturable developer package positioned within said chamber, said package containing a supply of fluid, film treating composition; c. means for coupling said developer package to the film whereby said developer package is ruptured when it is moved longitudinally to dispense the fluid therein into said chamber, the film being pulled into said chamber when said developer package is moved; d. a transverse, enlarged recess formed at the downstream end of said sheets; and e. a pair of resilient members secured in said recess in closely spaced opposition to each other whereby when the coupled developer package and the film are drawn between said resilient members, the excess film treating composition is wiped from the surface of the film.
 6. The processor in accordance with claim 5 wherein said resilient members are rubber.
 7. The processor in accordAnce with claim 5 wherein said resilient members are offset from each other in the direction of film travel.
 8. The processor in accordance with claim 5 wherein there is further included a transverse, reduced thickness portion intermediate said resilient members and said developer chamber for minimizing loss of the film treating composition from said developer chamber.
 9. The processor in accordance with claim 5 wherein there is further included a transverse, reduced thickness portion immediately upstream of said developer chamber for minimizing loss of the film treating composition therefrom.
 10. In a disposable processor for exposed light sensitive film of the type using a fluid, film treating composition that is dispensable from a pliable developer package, an improved developing section comprising: a. a pair of spacedly opposed sheets secured to each other along the longitudinal edges thereof to define a developer chamber, the transverse downstream and upstream ends of said sheets being open to permit movement of the film and the developer package therethrough; b. a transverse, enlarged recess formed at the downstream end of said sheets; and c. a pair of members, at least one of which is resilient, in said recess in closely spaced opposition to each other, said members being offset from each other in the direction of film travel when the film and the developer package are drawn therebetween, the excess film treating composition is wiped from the surfaces of the film.
 11. The developing section in accordance with claim 10 wherein there is further included a transverse, reduced thickness portion intermediate said pair of members in said developer chamber for minimizing loss of the film treating composition from said developer chamber.
 12. The developing section in accordance with claim 10 wherein there is further included a transverse, reduced thickness portion immediately upstream of said developer chamber for minimizing loss of the film treating composition therefrom. 